Nokea
A 70-year-old woman who loves to garden has small, flat, brown macules over her arms and hands. She asks, "What causes these liver spots?' The nurse tells her:
- A. They are signs of decreased hematocrit related to anemia.
- B. They are due to destruction of melanin in your skin due to exposure to the sun.
- C. They are clusters of melanocytes that appear after prolonged sun exposure.
- D. They are areas of hyperpigmentation related to decreased perfusion and vasoconstriction.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the small, flat, brown macules described are consistent with lentigines (commonly known as age or liver spots), which are clusters of melanocytes that appear after prolonged sun exposure. This explanation directly addresses the patient's question about the cause of the spots and is supported by the clinical presentation.
Choice A is incorrect because decreased hematocrit related to anemia would not cause these specific skin changes. Choice B is incorrect as destruction of melanin due to sun exposure would result in lighter spots, not dark brown macules. Choice D is incorrect because hyperpigmentation related to decreased perfusion and vasoconstriction would present differently and not primarily on sun-exposed areas like the arms and hands.
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The nurse has just started an assessment of the newborn child of a woman of Vietnamese origin. Considering the mother's cultural background, which of the following statements about this examination is true? The mother:
- A. Will be offended if the infant's fontanelles are examined.
- B. Will be offended if the infant's diaper area is touched during the examination.
- C. Would prefer to have the results of the examination communicated directly to her husband.
- D. Would prefer to receive written report about her child's growth and development, rather than a verbal one.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in Vietnamese culture, touching or examining the fontanelles (soft spots on a baby's head) is considered disrespectful and potentially harmful. This is due to the belief that the fontanelles are fragile and touching them can impact the baby's health. It is crucial for the nurse to respect and be sensitive to the cultural beliefs and practices of the mother to establish trust and provide culturally competent care.
Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific cultural taboo in Vietnamese culture about touching the infant's diaper area during examination. Choice C is incorrect as assuming that the husband should be the primary communicator of medical information goes against the principle of patient autonomy. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication that Vietnamese mothers prefer written reports over verbal communication regarding their child's growth and development.
A nurse is assessing a patient's hydration status. Which of the following findings would suggest dehydration?
- A. Increased urine output
- B. Decreased heart rate
- C. Dry mucous membranes
- D. Increased blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dry mucous membranes. Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of dehydration as the body lacks adequate fluid. When a person is dehydrated, there is a decrease in saliva production, leading to dryness in the mouth and throat. This can be easily observed during a physical examination by looking at the patient's lips, tongue, and inside of the mouth. On the other hand, increased urine output (choice A) is a sign of adequate hydration, decreased heart rate (choice B) can be a normal response to dehydration but is not a consistent indicator, and increased blood pressure (choice D) is not typically associated with dehydration. Therefore, dry mucous membranes are the most reliable finding to suggest dehydration in a patient.
A patient is post-operative following a total hip replacement. The nurse should prioritize which of the following to prevent complications?
- A. Monitoring for signs of infection.
- B. Encouraging early ambulation.
- C. Administering pain medications regularly.
- D. Providing wound care and dressing changes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation. This is crucial post-total hip replacement to prevent complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle weakness. Early ambulation helps improve circulation, prevent stiffness, and promote faster recovery. Monitoring for infection (A) is important but not the top priority. Administering pain medications (C) and wound care (D) are essential but do not address the primary goal of preventing complications post-operatively.
A nurse is teaching a patient with a new diagnosis of diabetes about managing blood glucose levels. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
- A. I will monitor my blood glucose levels regularly.
- B. I should follow a healthy diet to manage my condition.
- C. I can stop taking my insulin when my blood sugar is normal.
- D. I will exercise regularly to improve my health.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I can stop taking my insulin when my blood sugar is normal." This statement indicates a misunderstanding of diabetes management. Here's the rationale:
1. Insulin is a crucial medication for managing diabetes, and stopping it abruptly can lead to serious complications.
2. Blood sugar levels can fluctuate, so stopping insulin when levels are normal is not safe or effective.
3. Proper education should emphasize the importance of consistent insulin use as prescribed by healthcare providers.
4. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate good understanding of diabetes management by focusing on monitoring blood glucose levels, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
The nurse is performing a review of systems on a 76-year-old patient. Which of the following statements is correct for this situation?
- A. The questions asked are identical for all ages.
- B. The interviewer will start incorporating different questions for patients 70 years of age and older.
- C. Additional questions are reflective of the normal effects of aging.
- D. At this age, a review of systems is not necessary; just focus on current problems.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct as additional questions in a review of systems for a 76-year-old patient should address age-related changes. This allows for better assessment of potential health issues specific to older adults. Choice A is incorrect as questions may vary based on age. Choice B is incorrect as age alone does not dictate question changes. Choice D is incorrect as a review of systems is important at all ages for comprehensive patient assessment.